We’ve all encountered fear in our lifetime. When we were little kids in the dark, as a student speaking in front of our peers or maybe even now as a parent sending our children off into the great big world. While fear can be a useful indicator that we should change course, it’s best not to get friendly with it or wallow in it. In 2 Timothy 1:7 we’re told that kind of fear is not from the Lord.
…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
As a senior in high school this was my “life verse”. You see, I have been a big ol’ scaredy cat for most of my life. I still have a few fears today, but I’m perfectly ok with them. For example, I have a strict “just say no” policy to scary movies and grasshoppers. I’ll never see the need to befriend those bug-eyed, crazy-legged, never-know-where-they’re-going-to-leap-next monsters. And every movie title suggested in our home is rigorously vetted through “Jill-friendly” viewing standards. Totally normal, right?
However, there have been seasons in my life where I was paralyzed by fear and anxiety. I was physically sick from incessant worry and constantly lived in worst case scenarios. I hear of other Christian women who continually struggle with this and it breaks my heart. The enemy of our souls knows that we, beloved daughters of God, have purpose and potential to do amazing things with the Lord. So he magnifies every risk and worry to keep us from God’s best for us.
But we have been made brave!
We have been given a spirit of power. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in each one of us! A spirit of love-more than just emotions, but the same unconditional love that God is and that He has showed us. And my personal favorite, a spirit of self-control (or a sound mind). The Amplified Bible describes it as “abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control”. We don’t have to live crippled by fear, but “fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 MSG)
What might fear be holding you back from? Know that you, sister, have been equipped with everything you need to be bold, brave and courageous!
Additional Supplies: Acrylic paint- Target Robin’s Egg
